Understanding How DirecTV Works

In the early days of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service, subscribers were forced to have large dishes installed in order to enjoy the special programming. Their size was reminiscent of those used by astronomers looking for life beyond our atmosphere. Those monstrous frames are all but extinct; you will occasionally see one, but they are relics from another age. Today, the dishes are much smaller as the technology behind them has evolved.

Below, we'll take a closer look at how DirecTV - one of the most prolific and well-regarded DBS providers - works. We'll explain the process by which programs are ultimately delivered from space into the homes of millions of customers.

Capturing The Broadcast From Orbit

The small Direct TV dishes that line roofs throughout the nation capture radio wave signals from six (currently) satellites that orbit the earth. Those satellites are named DBS-1, DBS-2, DirecTV 1-R, D4-S, and DirecTV 5 and 6. They are in geosynchronous orbit at 22,200 miles above the planet.

Direct TV contracts with a number of programming sources, such as ESPN, to distribute their programs rather than creating their own (cable providers also do this). They use a number of broadcasting centers to receive the programs from the source companies, which they broadcast to the orbiting satellites. The signal is then broadcast back down to earth and picked up by the millions of Direct TV dishes strewn across rooftops throughout the U.S.

Receivers And Remotes

In order for DirecTV customers to watch the programs that are broadcast from the orbiting satellites, the signal must first be piped to a receiver. These receivers used to be completely manufactured by third-party companies, but are now manufactured based upon proprietary designs from Direct TV.

There are several models from which to choose and they vary by functionality. The low-end HD receivers (H10, H20, H21, and H23) can support 1080i resolution. The "Plus DVR" models (R15, R16, and R22) comes with a recorder that is capable of storing up to 100 hours of content. The newer "Plus HD-DVR" series, which includes the HR20, HR21, HR22, and HR23, combines the storage capability of the "Plus DVR" series with the high-definition of the lower-end receivers. Direct TV also offers the HR21P, a top-of-the-line model that is designed for home theaters.

The direct broadcast satellite provider also offers its customers a number of remotes from which to choose. A Universal Remote works by standard infrared, which means you need to point it at the receiver in order to control it. However, DirecTV's RC64RB uses radio frequency technology, eliminating the need to point it, or even be in the same room as the receiver. The company also offers a "Big Button" remote for easier control.

Many people are mystified by the technology behind Direct TV. While the infrastructure is indeed complex, the basics regarding how the signals are transmitted into customers' homes is simple.